Its privileged geographical position has allowed this strategically placed
small nation to grow into an ever more important crossroad of the world; since before
Columbus discovered America, then for the Spanish Conquistadors and now as a universally
recognized trading and business center. Panama City has large shopping districts such as
the Via España, Central Avenue, etc, where you can find Boutiques, Bazaars, Gift Shops,
Jewelry Stores and many modern shopping Malls. The Free Zone, located in Colon, 45 minutes
from Panama City by car, is the World's largest free zone and duty free shopping area.

Shopping Hours

Shopping hours vary, but most of the stores
and shops open from 9:00 am to 6:00 p.m. and some even up to 10:00 p.m. from Monday to
Sunday.

Shopping Types

Electronic equipment, audiovisual and
music, cameras, designer clothes, fine jewelry and oriental items. Panama is always up to
date with the international fashion centers and the most recognized brand names in
apparel, shoes, cosmetics and perfumes, bags, accessories and lingerie.

You can also get household
appliances, crystal ware, porcelain ornaments, chinaware, sporting goods, computerized
toys, and articles for your favorite hobby and crafts. Likewise, you can find entire
blocks dedicated to car sales of all major brands.

Places to Buy

There are several areas you can choose
from, most of all the Via España in the heart of the Banking and Hotel district, you can
easily get around this area on foot; there are stores next to hotels on both sides of this
commercial artery. You can also go to the famous Central Avenue which has been converted
into a pedestrian shopping zone and where most of the oriental bazaars are located, which
sell linen goods, oriental crafts, rugs, clothes and all kinds of souvenirs, with tax free
shops for tourists. In the city you will find supermarkets chains, drugstores, gas
stations and restaurants that are open 24 hours a day. Complementing all this are big
Shopping Malls dispersed all over the city.

Methods of Payment

Everywhere you can use credit cards to pay;
including Visa, American Express, Master Card and Diners Club, or pay with U.S. Dollars
that circulate freely as legal tender because the Dollar is on equal terms with the
national currency the Balboa, which only exist in coins.